Music colleges in Oregon - Need Advice

Hey everyone! I'm a junior starting to look into colleges for my future. I'm super interested in music and want to stay in Oregon. Can anyone recommend some music colleges here? I'd like to know more about the programs they offer, as well as campus life. Thanks a bunch!

Hey there! It's fantastic that you're planning ahead and looking for music colleges in Oregon. I can definitely provide you with some info on a few well-regarded music programs in your state.

1. University of Oregon: Located in Eugene, the School of Music and Dance is highly regarded for its programs in various music specializations, including Classical, Jazz, and Electronic Music, among others. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Music (BM), Bachelor of Arts (BA), or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, which is great, as you'd have the flexibility to tailor your course of study to your particular interests. Extracurricularly, the university has multiple performance ensembles, such as the Oregon Marching Band, University Symphony Orchestra, and more. Campus life at UO is vibrant, with plenty of clubs and organizations to join, and Eugene is a lively college town with a thriving music scene.

2. Oregon State University: OSU, located in Corvallis, also has a strong music program, which offers both a BA and BS degree in Music. Students can choose to focus on performance, music education, theory, or history, among other areas. There are a variety of performance opportunities on campus, including Jazz Ensembles, Wind Ensemble, and Chamber Choir. Corvallis is a beautiful college town with a tight-knit community and offers numerous events and activities for students.

3. Portland State University: PSU, located in the heart of Portland, offers a variety of undergraduate music degrees, including a BA, BS, and BM. The College of the Arts provides a comprehensive music education, which encompasses everything from performance to music technology. PSU not only has music ensembles like the Chamber Choir, but also special offerings like an opera workshop. PSU is also the only college in the northwest to stage two operas per year, so keep that in mind if you have a special passion for opera! As for campus life, being in Portland gives students access to a thriving arts and music scene, with numerous concert venues, galleries, and cultural events to attend.

4. Willamette University: Located in Salem, Willamette's music department offers a BA in Music that allows students to concentrate in areas such as performance, composition, or music history and literature. Their ensembles include the Chamber Orchestra and University Concert Band (UCB). Both the campus and the city of Salem provide opportunities for recreational activities and cultural experiences that cater to various interests.

Of course, it's important to visit the campuses and research further to see which of these schools aligns best with your personal goals and preferences, as well as your musical ones. Once you've narrowed down your options, I recommend reaching out to current students, faculty, or attending open house events to get more insights into campus life and the music programs themselves.

Finally, if you're looking for ways to pursue your passion for music while still in high school, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of summer programs related to music for high school students: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-summer-music-programs/. Many of them will give you the opportunity to not only hone your skills, but also network with music professionals and educators who can give you more detailed information about what particular colleges have to offer musically. And participating in one could even give you a boost during admissions, as colleges love to see that you're taking initiative and exploring your interests outside of the classroom!

Best of luck!